BARMM lawmaker wants agency for PWDs

Photo contributed: MP Amir Mawallil speaking before a session of the Bangsamoro parliament.

COTABATO CITY — A member of parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has proposed the establishment of an office that will focus on the welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Former journalist-turned-lawmaker Amir Mawallil recently filed Parliament Bill No. 167 or the proposed Bangsamoro Disability Welfare Act which aims to establish an institution dedicated to ensuring the implementation of programs and services for PWDs, and create a Regional Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (R-PDAO).

“This merely reinforces the commitment of the Bangsamoro government to take care of, protect, and rehabilitate individuals, families, and communities in the region, especially those who have less in life and those who need social welfare interventions,” Mawallil said.

In Mawallil’s proposal, the R-PDAO shall be under the control and supervision of the Ministry of Social Services and Development, which will explore livelihood opportunities and other initiatives to improve health, physical fitness, economic and social well-being of PWDs.

The office’s responsibilities include formulating and implementing policies, plans, and programs that will promote the welfare of disabled persons; representing the sector in meetings of the Bangsamoro Economic Development Council; gathering relevant data on the disabled persons in all component local government units of the BARMM; and disseminating information on training and employment opportunities, among others.

“Due to long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments, they are generally considered highly vulnerable and confronted with challenges,” Mawallil said.

He said that the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the charter of the BARMM, provides for the establishment of a special agency, support facilities, and livelihood or skills training for PWDs and other disadvantaged persons for their rehabilitation and productive integration into mainstream society.

To foster PWDs’ capability to live a meaningful, productive, and satisfying life in Philippine society and in the Bangsamoro region, all social, economic, and environmental barriers must be removed, he said.

BARMM has an estimated 38,000 PWDs, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.